Register writer William D'Urso works out with the Estancia football team. CHRISTINE COTTER, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Eric Clapton tunes drift through the morning air as the sun peeks above the horizon and head coach Mike Bargas is making preparations for his Estancia High School football team. He's wheeling a big plastic barrel of water from the outdoor weight room, and as we talk, Bargas can't wipe the grin off his mustachioed face.

He's made plans for me and my unsculpted 190-plus pounds to take part in a day of conditioning and practices. In the last month I've had more doughnuts than workouts, and for the first time in my life, my stomach has all the definition of a beach ball.

“I'll walk you over to the locker room so you can change, then we'll get you some pads and a helmet from the equipment room,” Bargas said.

Before I can dwell on how much damage the two bananas and almonds I stuffed in my face might cause, I find myself reaching over a counter to grab a large helmet and pads.

Confused stares from kids come from all directions as if to say, “Who's this old guy who thinks he can keep up with us?”

Not old, actually – turned 25 last month. Still, there seems something shameful about physical embarrassment at the hands of kids who can't even walk into an R-rated movie without a chaperone.

But egos have to be swept under the rug in this game. Otherwise bones can break. Last year, the Eagles lost five key players to injuries in the preseason.

Mike's brother, Chris, the guy all the players call Little Bargas, pummels safety into their brains in the day's first meeting.

“We want you guys to be safe out there,” said Little Bargas, also the defensive coordinator. “We have 70 players out there and we can't afford to lose any one of you.”

They grunt their acknowledgement and slink off to the football field to begin workouts.

Just before conditioning, the head coach is smiling again. That grin comes easily after seven years at the school in which the team has won three Orange Coast League titles with boosters shelling out to renovate the weight room and clubhouse.

The wins might get the smile going, but the players keep it there.

“I know I look like a beat up baseball glove,” the 42-year-old coach said. “But staying around these guys keeps you young.”

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